Coalition Of Political Parties Reject Ogun East Senatorial Result

The protesters

ABEOKUTA - Controversy has continued to trail the outcome of the National Assembly election held in Ogun State last Saturday, as about six political parties under the umbrella of Coalition of United Political Parties in Ogun East have rejected the results of the Senatorial election.

The parties comprising of PDP, ADC, ADP, ANN and Mega Party on Friday  protested against the  declaration of Sen. Lekan Mustapha as winner of February 23 senatorial election for Ogun east saying that the result only confirmed that INEC colluded with APC to  subvert will of the people and rob PDP candidate, Engr. Ayoola Sosanwo of an overwhelming victory.

The group equally petitioned INEC and security agencies drawing  attention to their displeasure with the way INEC handled the senatorial election and therefore calling for redress as democracy could not thrive in the midst of injustice and disregard to extant provisions of the law.

The protesting parties besieged streets in Sagamu wtih placards bearing different inscriptions such as "Is INEC now an appendage of APC?" "INEC, why rub us of our mandate?" "All we are asking for is a rerun at Ajebandele" "INEC must never allow over 13,000 voters in Ajebandele to be disenfranchised" among others.

Speaking during the protest, the Coordinator of the group, Prince Yomi Solanke condemned INEC for being a willing tool in the hand of the ruling party to rob PDP and impose Sen. Lekan Mustapha as the senate elect on people of Ogun east.

Prince Yomi Solanke said the INEC Returning Officer for Ogun east, Prof Chris Nwoka had on Sunday declared the result as inconclusive due to the cancellation of the election result of Ajebandele Ward in Ijebu East local government and that everyone was only waiting for the electoral body to pick a new date for rerun election in the affected ward.

Solanke said " we are however surprised to wake up on Tuesday to hear that Sen. Lekan Mustapha of APC had been declared winner and Senator elect for Ogun east. What has really changed between Sunday and Tuesday? Who is Prof. Chris Nwoka working for? This no doubt is a daylight robbery against PDP's candidate in this election, Engr. Ayoola Sosanwo. 

"They are very much aware that this ward with over 13,000 voters is strong hold of PDP, so INEC decided to connive with the ruling party to trample on the choice of the majority in Ogun east, Engr. Ayoola Sosanwo of PDP. We are rejecting this illegality in its entirety and we strongly call on Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mamoud Yakub to wade in and correct this injustice to prevent breakdown of law and order".